I'm new to the game. I think I understand the combat system, but I don't see a way to "scout" enemy fleets before deciding whether or not to attack them. I can see the overall combat power, but is there a way to see how the ships have been outfitted? I want to be able to tell whether or not an enemy fleet is more specialized toward certain weapon systems so I know whether or not my own ships would have an advantage.



I seem to be able to get that info when I click to attack the fleet in the battle summary window, but I can't back out if I decide that it's not a fight I want get into. Without being able to scout how enemy fleets have been outfitted, it seems like there is no real way to have any strategy at all with your own fleet. It seems like the only fleet ever worth building is one that is "all-around versatile" and employs a variety of different weapons/defenses. This would mean that when it comes to fleets, there is a "best build" and no strategic reason to ever deviate from the "best build", which would be disappointing. So I'm hoping there is some research technology or something I'm missing that would allow me to customize my fleets in a much smarter way.



I suppose I could just build a cheap scouting ship, engage the enemy fleet, and have the one ship sacrifice itself for scouting information. Maybe that's the best way to do it? Or am I missing something in the menus or technology tree?



Also, I haven't played the game enough to notice whether or not the other empires tend to have certain preferences in how they build their fleets. When the AI is playing as Sheredyn for example, do they tend to focus on specific weapons and defenses, or is it fairly random?



Thanks.

if it is a enemy fleet is Sheredyn you cannot retreat from that battle. If you see the fleet approaching you can hover the mouse over the fleet and it tell how much attack strength and invasion strength.



DarkMeph

^^ That, but if you want to know the specifics of how the enemy ships are fitted, you need to install a sensor improvement on a system with an enemy fleet orbiting it. If that orbiting fleet is clicked on you can access all the info you need.